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Guide to the John C. Gordon Photographic Collection
MSS-1996-03-29
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Title: John C. Gordon Photographic Collection
Dates: 1910-1963
Collection number: MSS-1996-03-29
Creator:
Gordon, John C., 1887-1967
Collection Size:
14 boxes and 3 drawers (processed collection).
114.89 linear feet (complete collection).
Repository:
San José State University. Library.
San José, California 95192-0028
Abstract: The John C. Gordon Photographic Collection documents the history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley from 1910 to 1963.
The collection consists of 6,000 photographic prints and 187 panorama prints. The photographic prints are organized by subject,
covering a variety of topics that illustrate everyday life in the region. This collection documents the changes in area business
ventures that include agriculture, fruit canning and processing, banking, local businesses, aeronautics, railroads, and other
manufacturing businesses.
The collection also includes 525 panorama nitrate and safety film negatives, 10,000 glass and film negatives, and the photographer's
portfolios and negative index. These items are not described in this collection inventory, but will be added at a future date.
This collection is arranged into two series: Series I. Photographic Prints; and Series II. Panorama Prints.
Physical location: Vault 2, Range 1A
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
The photographic prints described in this document are open for research. The collection also includes photographic negatives
which are restricted.
Copyright is assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections &
Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to
the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Special Collections
& Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the
copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply to digital
reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
John C. Gordon Photographic Collection, MSS-1996-03-29, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives.
Collection processed by Danelle Moon. Finding aid EAD encoded by Mary Ellen Petrich. Reviewed by Danelle Moon and Erin Louthen.
This finding aid was created as part of the Survey and Cataloging Project, a two-year San José State University Library grant project funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. The project began in 2008. The Project Director is Danelle Moon. The Project Archivist is Erin Louthen.
John C. Gordon was born in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin on January 3, 1887, the first son of Reverend G. W. Gordon. Reverend
Gordon earned his living as a photographer and as a Methodist preacher. John Gordon attended Albion College in Michigan, and
later took a teaching position in Nebraska. On June 8, 1910, he married Mina Eleanor Schnackenberg and following their wedding
reception, the couple moved to Campbell, California. Their first residence was in a prune orchard located on Budd Avenue,
and within a few years they relocated to Mayellen Avenue near West San Carlos Street. Gordon earned his early living working
at the local hardware store, while raising his young family.
In 1916 Gordon opened a commercial photography studio located at 97 South First Street in downtown San José, just above what
was then known as Lean's Jewelry Store. He later moved to 395 South Street where he remained until his retirement in 1963.
As a local commercial photographer, Gordon served the business community by creating glass slides for advertisements used
to promote local theaters, sporting events, civic events, and weddings. In addition, Gordon photographed accidents and criminal
trials for the
San José Mercury News.
An active community member and businessman, Gordon belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the San José Water Board, and was
Master of the Campbell Grange. He also held membership in the Knights of the Round Table, served on the school board, the
YMCA, and the First Methodist Church. Gordon was a noted singer, song leader, and musician, and loaned many of his musical
instruments (piano, guitar, marimba, saxophone, and trombone) for use in Santa Clara Valley's annual Fiesta de las Rosas Parade,
as well as the school band.
John C. Gordon died at the age of 80 in 1967, and was buried in Los Gatos Cemetery next to his wife, who died in 1950. His
children, Ronald H. Gordon, Doris Herschbach, and Wilbur C. Gordon sold their father's photographic collection to San José
State University in 1996.
Scope and Content of Collection
The John C. Gordon Photographic collection documents the history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley from 1910 to 1963.
The photographic prints are organized by subject, covering a variety of topics that provide a 50-year visual history of the
region. Arranged by subject categories assigned by the photographer, the collection documents everyday life, historical context
of place and time, and illustrates changes in area business ventures that include agriculture, fruit canning and processing,
banking, local businesses, aeronautics, rail roads, and other manufacturing businesses. In addition, the collection includes
images of the Winchester Mystery House, the Lick Observatory, storefronts, hospitals, hotels, landscapes, funerals, weddings,
parks, parades, and many mixed group shots of families and local organizations.
The collection also includes 525 panorama nitrate and safety film negatives, 10,000 glass and film negatives, and the photographer's
portfolios and negative index. These items are not described in this collection inventory, but will be added at a future date.
This collection is arranged into two series: Series I. Photographic Prints; and Series II. Panorama Prints.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Gordon, John C., 1887-1967.
California -- History -- Photographs.
California -- Social life and customs -- Photographs.
Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.) -- History -- Photographs.